The death of Maryland football player Jordan McNair has sent shockwaves through the university community. When McNair suffered heatstroke at a team workout in May, the training staff failed to administer proper treatment. He was eventually airlifted to a hospital, where he died two weeks later.
The university has admitted culpability in McNair’s death, and the University System of Maryland Board of Regents is overseeing two investigations that have resulted from it. One staff member has resigned, and three others — including head coach DJ Durkin — are on administrative leave. Meanwhile, McNair’s family is considering a lawsuit against the university.
Below is The Diamondback’s complete coverage of McNair’s death and its fallout.
Last updated: April 4, 2019
UMD announces sports medicine review board, as recommended in Jordan McNair report
The board will be led by Rod Walters, who investigated the circumstances surrounding McNair’s death.
By James Crabtree-Hannigan | Published April 4, 2019
When NFL teams interview Maryland football prospects, they’re asking about Jordan McNair
“If you’re able to [persevere] in an environment like that, imagine what you’re able to do in a stable and consistent place.”
By Andy Kostka | Published March 28, 2019
UMD panel discusses Jordan McNair investigation, need for ethics education
“We have a moral obligation to teach ethics.”
By Freelance Reporter | Published March 7, 2019
UMD has enacted most recommendations after Jordan McNair’s death, committee says
The university said it has accomplished 18 of 20 pieces of guidance from the report looking into his death.
By Arya Hodjat | Published March 7, 2019
Maryland football coach Mike Locksley helps students at Jordan McNair Chipotle fundraiser
Chipotle donated 33 percent of all sales from 5 to 9 p.m. to the Jordan McNair Foundation.
By Harrison Cann | Published Feb. 26, 2019
UMD is creating another panel to monitor implementation of football report recommendations
One of the people Loh said would be on it, David Williams II, died Feb. 8.
By Jeff Barnes | Published Feb. 25, 2019
Ellis McKennie says he was barred from promoting Jordan McNair Foundation fundraiser
McKennie later tweeted an “NCAA approved” flyer for the fundraiser.
By Mary Dimitrov | Published Feb. 23, 2019
Despite heavy redaction, surveillance videos provide insight into Jordan McNair’s final workout
The university released the footage hours before closing for winter break.
By James Crabtree-Hannigan and Andy Kostka | Published Dec. 21, 2018
Report: Former Maryland football coach DJ Durkin now working at Alabama
Durkin is aiding the Crimson Tide “in a consultant-like capacity.”
By Andy Kostka | Published Dec. 13, 2018
Off-field turmoil defined Maryland football’s season as much as on-field performance
After Jordan McNair’s death, his teammates remembered him during a 5-7 campaign.
By Andy Kostka | Published Dec. 6, 2018
UMD panel draws parallels between 1968 campus protests and Jordan McNair rally
The rally “catalyzed” the student body, one panelist said.
By Iris Vukmanovic | Published Nov. 16, 2018
Here’s what would need to happen to make UMD’s student athletics fee opt-in
Student groups are calling for the change after athletic department turbulence.
By Andy Kostka and James Crabtree-Hannigan | Published Nov. 14, 2018
“That’s behind us”: UMD President Wallace Loh wants to move past the last two weeks
They were filled with personnel changes, rallies and turmoil.
By Leah Brennan | Published Nov. 12, 2018
From band members to tour guides, UMD students weigh supporting a school in crisis
After investigations into UMD’s football culture and a player’s death, these students address supporting their school when it’s part of their job.
By Mary Dimitrov | Published Nov. 9, 2018
An LGBTQ advocate at UMD wants Title IX to investigate the football program
A report on the team revealed a coach frequently hurled homophobic and sexist insults at players.
By Angela Roberts | Published Nov. 9, 2018
DJ Durkin’s firing allowed Maryland football to return to its new normal
It’s been Matt Canada’s program — at least in name — for months.
By Andy Kostka | Published Nov. 9, 2018
New chairwoman apologizes for Board of Regents’ decisions on Maryland football scandal
Linda Gooden was elected the board’s chair on Wednesday.
By Andy Kostka and James Crabtree-Hannigan | Published Nov. 7, 2018
After 5 months, UMD parts ways with trainers who failed to properly treat Jordan McNair
Steve Nordwall and Wes Robinson are no longer employed by the university.
By Andy Kostka and James Crabtree-Hannigan | Published Nov. 7, 2018
GSG: DJ Durkin should donate part of his contract buyout to UMD’s Title IX office
Because the university fired Durkin without cause, it owes him more than $5 million.
By Angela Roberts | Published Nov. 6, 2018
Disillusioned with UMD’s leadership, 24 student groups rally to “Fire the Liars”
The protest fired back at the SGA, which held a rally to support student-athletes and pushed game attendance.
By Arya Hodjat | Published Nov. 6, 2018
UMD Senate: Board of Regents “grossly exceeded its authority” by pushing for DJ Durkin to stay
The senate took issue with the board’s “overreach and violation of basic principles of higher education.”
By Grace Mottley | Published Nov. 4, 2018
At “Justice for Jordan” rally, UMD student groups clash over football support
The rally exposed a rift between student groups.
By Jillian Atelsek | Published Nov. 2, 2018
UMD Police are investigating Tuesday’s fight between two football players
There are conflicting reports on whether the fight was about DJ Durkin.
By Diamondback Staff | Published Nov. 2, 2018
James Brady resigns as Board of Regents chair amid Maryland football scandal
Brady and the board had come under fire for supporting head football coach DJ Durkin.
By Andy Kostka and James Crabtree-Hannigan | Published Nov. 1, 2018
UMD’s accreditation is under review in the wake of football scandals
The university’s accreditation was last reaffirmed in 2017.
By Diamondback Staff | Published Nov. 1, 2018
Report: Board of Regents recommended UMD keep trainers that botched Jordan McNair’s treatment
Steve Nordwall and Wes Robinson have been on administrative leave since August.
By Andy Kostka and James Crabtree-Hannigan | Published Nov. 1, 2018
McNair family’s lawyer calls for firing of Regents chairman and for Wallace Loh to remain president
Billy Murphy said Chairman James Brady is “a remaining impediment for justice.”
By James Crabtree-Hannigan | Published Nov. 1, 2018
UMD’s Provost and Deans slam Board of Regents, call for President Wallace Loh to reconsider retirement
The letter expressed “dismay and deep concern” after Loh’s “forced retirement.”
By Jillian Atelsek | Published Nov. 1, 2018
Fight at Maryland football practice wasn’t about Durkin, lasted ‘a few seconds,’ per source
There have been conflicting accounts about the altercation between punters Wade Lees and Matt Barber.
By Andy Kostka | Published Nov. 1, 2018
“A roller-coaster”: Maryland football reacts to DJ Durkin’s return, firing
“The right decision was made for justice for Jordan and for everything to be easier for us as players.”
By Andy Kostka and James Crabtree-Hannigan | Published Nov. 1, 2018
“I can’t believe it took them this long”: UMD students react to DJ Durkin’s firing
Durkin’s reinstatement lasted barely a day.
By Diamondback Staff | Published Nov. 1, 2018
After football scandal, UMD’s SGA wants student athletic fee to be opt-in
The SGA rescinded its resolution calling for DJ Durkin’s firing after he was fired.
By Victoria Ebner | Published Nov. 1, 2018
Maryland fires coach DJ Durkin, one day after Board of Regents recommended he stay
Durkin was reinstated as coach Tuesday.
By Diamondback Staff | Published Oct. 31, 2018
Maryland lawmakers will have a hearing for Board of Regents after DJ Durkin’s reinstatement
The decision to reinstate Durkin was met with widespread criticism.
By Christine Condon | Published Oct. 31, 2018
UMD SGA to propose resolution calling for DJ Durkin to be fired
After Durkin was reinstated, the SGA held an executive meeting to discuss next steps.
By Victoria Ebner | Published Oct. 31, 2018
Maryland football players speak out on Twitter about DJ Durkin decision
“A paycheck was chosen over [Jordan McNair’s] life.”
By James Crabtree-Hannigan | Published Oct. 31, 2018
DJ Durkin’s coaching potential and personal testimony won over Maryland’s Board of Regents
Durkin had been on administrative leave since August.
By Arya Hodjat and James Crabtree-Hannigan | Published Oct. 31, 2018
“How many more kids have to die?”: UMD students react to Durkin’s return, Loh’s retirement
DJ Durkin was reinstated as the Terps’ coach Tuesday.
By Diamondback Staff | Published Oct. 31, 2018
A week before midterms, Maryland politicians weigh in on UMD football fallout
Gov. Larry Hogan expressed some doubts about the decision to reinstate DJ Durkin.
By Hannah Himes | Published Oct. 31, 2018
UMD President Wallace Loh is retiring. Here’s a look at his eight-year tenure.
Loh announced he will step down next year.
By Leah Brennan | Published Oct. 31, 2018
DJ Durkin is back as Maryland football coach, will be on sideline Saturday vs. Michigan State
Matt Canada went 5-3 in Durkin’s absence.
By Arya Hodjat and James Crabtree-Hannigan | Published Oct. 30, 2018
Jordan McNair’s parents: Keeping DJ Durkin, Damon Evans is like being “punched in the stomach”
Marty McNair and Tonya Wilson spoke at a press conference after the Board of Regents recommended Durkin and Evans continue in their positions.
By Andy Kostka and James Crabtree-Hannigan | Published Oct. 30, 2018
UMD’s DJ Durkin, Damon Evans will keep jobs; Wallace Loh to retire in June
The Board of Regents announced the decision Tuesday.
By James Crabtree-Hannigan | Published Oct. 30, 2018
Maryland football investigation: Team training staff lacked oversight, accountability
Because of confusion within the athletic department, much of the football training staff was acting unsupervised.
By Arya Hodjat and James Crabtree-Hannigan | Published Oct. 26, 2018
UMD President Wallace Loh confirms he got an anonymous email about football program abuse
Loh denied receiving a hand-delivered letter.
By Leah Brennan | Published Oct. 4, 2018
UMD President Wallace Loh: “I had never ever” heard claims of abusive football culture
Loh spoke at a University Senate meeting Tuesday.
By Grace Mottley | Published Oct. 2, 2018
Despite mounting evidence, top boosters stand by Maryland football’s DJ Durkin
The embattled Terps coach remains on leave after reports of abuse in the program.
By Andy Kostka | Published Oct. 1, 2018
More players and parents detail Maryland football’s culture under “psychopath” DJ Durkin
But some players maintain that the environment was appropriate.
By James Crabtree-Hannigan | Published Sept. 30, 2018
Analyzing the timeline of Jordan McNair’s final workout
Dr. Rod Walters’ report shed light on the workout where McNair suffered heatstroke.
By James Crabtree-Hannigan | Published Sept. 30, 2018
At SGA town hall, UMD students question AD Damon Evans about Jordan McNair’s death
The event, co-hosted by Maryland Discourse, also asked about player safety and head coach DJ Durkin.By Freelance Reporter | Published Sept. 28, 2018
PG County state’s attorney could press charges after Jordan McNair report
Prosecutors want an unredacted version of the report.By Andy Kostka | Published Sept. 24, 2018
UMD President Wallace Loh defends athletic department policies after Jordan McNair report
Loh highlighted the changes that have been made in the wake of McNair’s death.By Diamondback Staff | Published Sept. 21, 2018
Report lays out failures of UMD’s training staff that led to Jordan McNair’s death
The report was released Friday after the USM Board of Regents reviewed its findings.By Diamondback Staff | Published Sept. 21, 2018
UMD AD Damon Evans says there’s no “no athletic video” of Jordan McNair’s final workout
Evans spoke at an SGA forum Wednesday night.By Julia Rosier | Published Sept. 20, 2018
After Jordan McNair’s death, Maryland football’s players have stuck together
Maryland Stadium now has No. 79 on its turf in three places.By Andy Kostka | Published Sept. 14, 2018
Findings of Jordan McNair investigation will be released Sept. 21
The Board of Regents has taken over both investigations, but one is still ongoing.By James Crabtree-Hannigan | Published Sept. 12, 2018
UMD Senate committee will review results of Jordan McNair investigation
They also plan to give recommendations to university President Wallace Loh.By Grace Mottley | Published Sept. 6, 2018
Watch: Maryland football uses 10 players on first play to honor Jordan McNair
The Longhorns declined the penalty.By Ryan Romano | Published Sept. 1, 2018
Top Maryland athletics donors show support for DJ Durkin in letter to Board of Regents
“We want the Board to know what a gem they have in DJ Durkin.”By James Crabtree-Hannigan | Published Aug. 30, 2018
Maryland Senate President: UMD is “hopelessly outgunned” in athletics scandal
Thomas V. Mike Miller criticized university leadership’s handling of football scandals.By Hannah Himes | Published Aug. 30, 2018
Amid athletics scandals, UMD students ponder how to show school pride
Students returned to campus to find the athletic department in turmoil.By Diamondback Staff | Published Aug. 26, 2018
Former governor, NFL quarterback, congressman all added to commission on Maryland football
The Board of Regents has added five new members to the commission.By Christine Condon and James Crabtree-Hannigan | Published Aug. 24, 2018
“We plan to never forget:” Maryland football will pay tribute to Jordan McNair this season
No player will wear McNair’s No. 79 until 2020, the year he would have graduated.By Andy Kostka | Published Aug. 20, 2018
USM Board of Regents will take control of investigation into Jordan McNair’s death
The board will also assume control of the investigation into claims of abuse in the football program.By Diamondback Staff | Published Aug. 17, 2018
Jordan McNair’s father: DJ Durkin shouldn’t be allowed to coach again
“He shouldn’t be able to work with anybody else’s kid.”By Jordan Katz | Published Aug. 17, 2018
Report: President Wallace Loh quashed 2017 plan to overhaul UMD sports medicine policies
The proposal was a year before Jordan McNair wasn’t properly treated for heatstroke at a football team workout.By James Crabtree-Hannigan | Published Aug. 16, 2018
USM Board of Regents will meet Friday to discuss fallout from Jordan McNair’s death
The board sets policy for the University System of Maryland’s 12 institutions.By James Crabtree-Hannigan | Published Aug. 16, 2018
At Maryland’s first open practice since Jordan McNair’s death, player safety was the focus
“Our players’ health and safety is No. 1,” interim coach Matt Canada said.By Andy Kostka | Published Aug. 15, 2018
UMD announces task force investigating reports of abuse in football program
The four-person task force will consist of two retired judges, a former federal prosecutor and a yet-to-be-named former coach and athletic director.By Andy Kostka | Published Aug. 14, 2018
Maryland accepts “legal and moral” responsibility in Jordan McNair’s death
University President Wallace Loh said the team’s athletic training staff “basically misdiagnosed the situation.”By Andy Kostka | Published Aug. 14, 2018
UMD parts ways with strength and conditioning coach Rick Court after reports of abuse
Court was one of DJ Durkin’s first hires.By James Crabtree-Hannigan | Published Aug. 14, 2018
Medical records contradict UMD’s timeline of events leading to Jordan McNair’s death, per report
Exactly when McNair suffered a seizure has been a point of contention.By James Crabtree-Hannigan | Published Aug. 13, 2018
Lawyers for Jordan McNair’s family call for UMD to fire DJ Durkin immediately
The family’s attorneys also called for the release of footage of McNair’s final workout.By Grace Mottley | Published Aug. 12, 2018
Maryland football coach DJ Durkin placed on leave after reports of abusive culture
Offensive coordinator Matt Canada will serve as interim head coach.By Arya Hodjat and James Crabtree-Hannigan | Published Aug. 11, 2018
Three Maryland football staffers placed on leave after reports of “toxic” environment
An ESPN report on Friday outlined a culture of abuse in the Maryland football program under DJ Durkin.By Arya Hodjat | Published Aug. 11, 2018
Maryland football’s culture under DJ Durkin has been abusive to players, ESPN report says
The report details a pattern of abuse from Durkin, along with close confidant Rick Court.By Arya Hodjat | Published Aug. 10, 2018
Report: Jordan McNair needed help standing at workout where he suffered fatal heatstroke
One player told ESPN that McNair was “flopping all around” during the workout.By Arya Hodjat | Published Aug. 10, 2018
UMD’s deal for investigation of Jordan McNair’s death caps payment at 96 hours of work
The ceiling of the contract can be raised only if both sides agree to it.By James Crabtree-Hannigan | Published Aug. 5, 2018
The workout where Jordan McNair collapsed was Maryland football’s first of the summer
McNair had trouble recovering from a set of 10 110-yard sprints.By James Crabtree-Hannigan | Published Aug. 4, 2018
DJ Durkin says he’s confident in Maryland football’s safety procedures
Durkin said some policies have changed since Jordan McNair’s death in June.By James Crabtree-Hannigan | Published July 25, 2018
Jordan McNair’s family hires law firm that represented Freddie Gray’s family
Billy Murphy, the firm’s founder, said the family is currently weighing its options.By Arya Hodjat | Published July 20, 2018
911 records indicate medics didn’t recognize severity of Jordan McNair’s condition
Reports say McNair died from heatstroke, which medical professionals say is fatal only when not properly treated.By James Crabtree-Hannigan | Published July 19, 2018
Jordan McNair’s parents create scholarship fund, educational programming for athletes
The Jordan McNair Foundation will sponsor a training facility in downtown BaltimoreBy Christine Condon | Published July 17, 2018
Jordan McNair died of heatstroke suffered at Maryland team workout
McNair’s family has started a foundation for heatstroke awareness in his name.By James Crabtree-Hannigan | Published July 16, 2018
UMD reveals more information on Jordan McNair’s death, ongoing investigation
The university said coach DJ Durkin was at the May 29 practice where McNair collapsed.By James Crabtree-Hannigan | Published July 13, 2018
UMD hires sports medicine consulting group to investigate Jordan McNair’s death
The investigation will begin by the end of the week.By James Crabtree-Hannigan | Published June 19, 2018
“A deep loss”: Friends and family remember Maryland football’s Jordan McNair
He loved music, Marvel, The Office and trips to the zoo.By Jillian Atelsek | Published June 15, 2018
Maryland athletic department releases details about football player Jordan McNair’s death
The university is conducting an external review into what led to McNair’s death following a team workout.By Arya Hodjat | Published June 14, 2018
Maryland football’s Jordan McNair dies after collapsing during team workout
McNair was 19.By James Crabtree-Hannigan | Published June 13, 2018
Maryland football offensive lineman Jordan McNair hospitalized after team workout
McNair played in one game as a freshman in 2017.By James Crabtree-Hannigan | Published June 4, 2018
